Yes, You Can Restore Sun-Damaged Hair With Olive Oil

Too much fun in the sun? Don’t panic. You can use olive oil for hair that is feeling particularly dry and brittle to quickly bring it back to life. Your strands will thank you. 

Rich in fatty acids, this kitchen staple is a favorite for reducing inflammation and protecting against heart disease. But the natural oil has more to offer beyond the table. From sealing in moisture to giving hair an incredible shine, it is nature’s remedy for damaged hair follicles and irritated scalps.

Below, we’ve broken down the benefits of using olive oil for hair and how to get the best results. Warning: You might find yourself rushing to apply it all over–so just make sure to leave a little for your salad.

The Benefits

Olive oil’s reputation as a key ingredient for good health is long established. Ancient Greeks waxed poetic about its use everywhere, notably in decadent meals. (The oil was so sought after it can be equated to the modern day wine trade.) And for good reason—aside from rounding out flavors, a study in 2019 found that those who follow a Mediterranean diet, which goes heavy on the oil, experienced lower risks of cardiovascular disease. 

But there’s a reason why people like model Jerry Hall can’t get enough of it for their hair. In 2011, she credited it for iconic, shiny locks sharing with the Guardian the routine that was passed down from her mother. “On Sunday nights, I massage it in like my mother taught me, tuck my hair under a shower cap, tie a scarf over it, and leave it as long as I can,” she wrote. “Overnight is ideal, but it can stain pillowcases, so I tend to let it soak while watching a film before washing it out.” 

Hall isn’t the only one to tout the oil’s praises. Celebrity hairstylists also recommend it for hair that’s in need of a little repair. “Olive oil is very rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and E,” says veteran stylist Frédéric Fekkai. “It helps protect hair’s natural keratin and lock in moisture. In addition, it adds shine without weighing hair down.”

Can you use olive oil for hair growth?

You might have heard that in addition to strengthening strands, olive oil can lead to longer, fuller  hair. But should you grab for the bottle if hair growth is your primary concern? “Olive oil can soothe your scalp, strengthen your hair follicle, and potentially stimulate hair growth,” says Fekkai. 

While the verdict is still out on whether the oil alone will give you Hall-like hair, olive oil does create the perfect environment for added length. A good place to start would be to work it into your routine along with these healthy hair tips to see how your hair responds.

How to use

As with anything, application is key for the best results. Fekkai recommends adding it in with the products you already use for supercharged benefits. He’s personally a fan of the olive/ACV combination. “For the scalp, the best way to use olive oil is mixing it with our new Apple Cider Detox Scrub to stimulate the follicle and cleanse while nourishing scalp and reducing inflammation.”

When it comes to how often you should be applying the oil to your hair, it depends on how much hydration you need. If your hair has faired pretty well over the last few months and doesn’t feel particularly stripped, you could likely stick to working it into your strands bi-weekly or even monthly. 

For hair that is particularly fragile—from the sun or a recent color transformation—you’ll see better results with more frequent use. “For chemically treated hair, olive oil could be used once a week mixed with an intense mask,” says Fekkai. He recommends massaging through the hair shaft, then leaving it covered with a plastic cap for 15-20 minutes to make sure the oil really penetrates the follicles and scalp. 

Which oil is best?

When in doubt, 100% pure extra virgin olive oil is a great one to start off with. “It’s always better to use unrefined, cold pressed extra virgin olive oil for all textures,” says Fekkai. 

Ultimately, you’ll want to settle on the right type of olive oil for frequent use and that will depend on your hair type and needs. If your strands are denser and can take the added weight, you can try working the olive oil directly onto your hair and letting it sit. But if product tends to build up easily on your hair, which is often the case with finer strands, applying the oil as a mask or as light oil mist is a great alternative.

We love a good DIY-beauty treatment that you likely already have laying around the home, and what makes olive oil so great is that you can apply it straight out the jar. So next time you want to give your hair a deep condition the natural way, take a quick trip to the cabinet.